Trump’s Schedule F plan, explained
In October 2020, the Trump Administration issued an executive order that would have stripped protections from civil servants perceived as disloyal.
June 11, 2024
Research & Analysis
News & resources
Freedom is threatened by democracy crumbling from within. We use research, technology, and data analysis to protect what's working in our democracy today — and to help build the democracy of tomorrow.
The Trump administration’s conflict with the courts, explained
Understanding the threats to our judiciary, its historic role in supporting our Constitution, and what the courts can do in response to threats.
May 8, 2025
How does Gen Z really feel about democracy?
A survey of young Americans shows they don't think as a monolith and offers three distinct profiles of how they perceive democracy, engage with civic life, and see their role in shaping the future.
April 6, 2025
How would constituent services in American multi-member districts work?
This paper by Anne Meeker and Lee Drutman explains how congressional casework operates today, and how it might operate in a future House of Representatives elected by proportional representation.
April 2, 2025
Trapped in a Two-Party System
Americans want more parties, but we only get two. Our paper details how to give Americans more choices at the polls.
March 18, 2025
The Myth of Presidential Impoundment Power
We correct mischaracterizations of the history of presidential impoundments and demonstrate that there is no inherent presidential power to impound.
March 14, 2025
What federal workers can do to protect themselves
A list of resources for civil servants navigating attacks on the federal workforce, including actions to take ASAP, knowing your rights, and where to find legal or other support.
February 6, 2025
What does it mean for an agency to be independent?
The difference between executive departments and independent agencies, explained
February 5, 2025
Checking Presidential Impoundment of Federal Funds
We explain what an impoundment of federal funds is, when that action is unlawful, and why it matters that the Trump administration is attempting to freeze — impound — trillions in federal funding.
January 30, 2025
Expanding the House of Representatives, explained
How expansion of the House of Representatives could work — and why it would benefit democracy
January 24, 2025
What to know about the new Schedule F order
A guide to navigating the new executive actions on the federal workforce and suggestions for what civil servants can do now
January 21, 2025
